Bleach: The Shinigami’s Zanpakutō That Unleashed Bankai On Its Own

Byakuya Kuchiki had left the Spiritual Arts Academy. As the captain of the Sixth Division, he was usually quite busy.

But Moyu hadn't given him an answer.

To be precise, even Moyu himself didn't have a definite idea yet.

There were many divisions to choose from.

Even the Eleventh Division was a viable option. After all, despite his tendency to lie flat, his Zanjutsu, Hakuda, and Zanpakutō capabilities were highly competitive. If he joined the Eleventh Division, which specialized in front-line combat, his growth would inevitably shift in a new direction.

On the other hand, the Fourth Division under Unohana Retsu, although a logistics unit, would guarantee he avoided front-line duties.

That meant more time for his salted-fish lifestyle.

The Twelfth Division was another possible alternative.

Aside from those, the Sixth Division under Byakuya Kuchiki was where he should go.

The Sixth was the noble division—responsible for protecting the interests of the Four Great Noble Houses. By tradition, its captain must be the head of the Kuchiki family.

If Byakuya ever resigned, the position would fall to Moyu.

But considering the average Shinigami lifespan, Moyu figured Byakuya would live until the end of time.

"It's really a headache..."

Moyu rubbed his temples, feeling increasingly like he wasn't cut out for thinking.

———

Half a year later.

Spiritual Arts Academy, Training Ground No. 3.

Students from the two special classes gathered with curiosity, all facing the Shinigami teacher at the front.

After the soul burial incident, the two classes had been merged into one.

The instructor of the special class: Maya Daisei.

"The incident during the soul burial practice drastically reduced the number of students," Maya Daisei said solemnly. "But that also means those of you who remain are eligible to join the Gotei 13 once you graduate."

"Of course, the Kidō Corps and the Department of Technological Development are also strong options."

"But!"

His tone shifted sharply, voice pressing down like a hammer.

"You still lack the ability to respond to other types of threats."

"Dealing with Hollows may be about experience, but a Shinigami's duty isn't limited to fighting Hollows. There are Ryoka as well."

As he spoke, Maya Daisei raised his arm, and a giant light screen expanded in midair.

A complex map filled with intersecting lines—like an integrated circuit board.

"This is the map of Rukongai's Southern District."

"Your mission is to go here…"

"Suppress the rampaging wandering souls!"

Moyu followed the direction of his finger and glanced at Rukia beside him, expression complicated.

"Whew…"

Rukia forced a smile, as if nothing was wrong.

But Moyu, who had known her for years, could see the shadow lingering behind her eyes.

"District 78..."

———

South Rukongai. District 78: Inuzuri.

Several elite students from the special class had been sent directly to the area.

Upon arrival, Maya Daisei's face grew more serious.

"Missions matter, but lives matter more."

"The danger level here is no less than during the soul burial incident."

"Be cautious."

Their task was simple.

Ferocious wandering souls had appeared in Inuzuri, frequently attacking vendors for clean water.

The students were ordered to eliminate them.

Most didn't realize how dangerous this really was.

Maya Daisei had repeated his warning more than once.

But students like Kira Izuru, Takaho Yanagi, and Ichiro Sukawa still seemed unaware.

Rukia and Abarai Renji, however, were different.

They were born in Inuzuri. They knew the danger.

And Moyu knew even more.

Centuries ago, Unohana Retsu had encountered the terrifying spirit known as Zaraki Kenpachi in the neighboring Zaraki District—and had lost.

Rukongai was vast. Who was to say another monster like that wouldn't appear?

If he happened to win that kind of "jackpot," all they could do was wait for Byakuya to offer incense at his grave.

"Be careful," Moyu muttered as he tightened the Zanpakutō at his waist.

Since stepping foot into the district, he had felt an ominous pressure.

"The shadows of Soul Society…"

Unseen by the group, two cloaked figures stood atop a distant rooftop, silently observing their movement.

"Sa… is this also part of Captain Aizen's plan?"

The soft Kyoto accent immediately revealed the identity beneath the hood.

With eyes narrowed in a perpetual smile, Ichimaru Gin cast a meaningful glance at his companion.

"You seem eager, Gin."

Aizen's calm voice echoed from beneath the cloak.

"As a player of the game…"

"You must be neither impatient nor overconfident."

"Only then… can you truly control the board."

He stared in the direction Moyu had gone.

His eyes deepened.